_To the Reverend Mr. G――――._
_London, December 28, 1767._
_Reverend and dear Sir_,
WHY do you and I exchange letters so seldom? Perhaps it would be better
to correspond more frequently. This brings you the good news of the
triumphant death of the late Earl of _B――――n_. He behaved like the
patriarch _Jacob_, when by faith leaning upon his staff, he blessed
his children. The Earl added, “Yea, and they shall be blessed.” “Had
I strength of body, (cried the Earl) I would not be ashamed before men
and angels to tell what the LORD JESUS hath done for my soul. Come,
holy Ghost, come, holy Ghost; happy, happy, happy!” and then sweetly
slept in JESUS. The present noble Earl, I believe, hath got the
blessing indeed, and seems, upon the best evidence, to determine to
know nothing but JESUS CHRIST, and him crucified. He hath behaved in
the most delicate manner to the Countess, and other noble survivors. He
stands here in town, against all opposition, like an impregnable rock;
and I humbly hope will prove the _Daniel_ of the age. He must be, nay
he hath been already thrown into a den of lions; but he hath one with
him, that stops the lions mouths. You will encourage all GOD’s people
to pray for him. What if you wrote him a line? I am sure it will
be taken kindly; for I know he honours and loves you much. You will
communicate this to dear Mr. _M――――ch_, who, I suppose, like me, is
groaning, being burdened. I am now fifty-three years old. Did you ever
hear of such a fifty-three years old barren fig-tree? So much digging,
so much dunging, and yet so little fruit. GOD be merciful to me a
sinner! A sinner――a sinner――a sinner. He is merciful; he is gracious:
his mercy endureth for ever. He yet vouchsafes to bless my feeble
labours. You would have been delighted to have seen the awful scene
exhibited at _Bath_, whilst the late noble Earl lay in state. Two
sermons every day; life and power attended the word; and I verily
believe many dead souls were made to hear the voice of the Son of GOD.
Since that we have been favoured with comfortable seasons in town. I
hope you are blessed in _Glasgow_. Who knows but we may have one more
interview in Spring? Whether we meet next on earth or in heaven, you
will find that with great sincerity I subscribe myself, reverend and
very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. &c. &c. in our glorious JESUS,
_G. W._